"Low-altitude economy pavilion" introduced at Airshow China 2024

The Zhuhai Airshow has inaugurated a Low-Altitude Economy Pavilion, drawing in a wide array of visitors and aerospace enthusiasts interested in the future of transportation.

"Low-altitude economy pavilion" introduced at Airshow China 2024
A Low-Altitude Economy Pavilion has debuted at the Zhuhai Airshow, drawing in numerous visitors and aerospace fans eager to learn about the future of transportation.

Within the lively low-altitude economy hall, manufacturers displayed their latest innovations, each with distinct selling points. These electric aircraft, showcasing advanced flight capabilities and energy efficiency, are paving the way for urban air transportation. A standout exhibit was the Scorpion D, recognized as the world's first large four-engine drone.

"The Scorpion D is the first large-scale fixed-wing unmanned flight system with a fully modular fuselage. This design allows for the rapid exchange of the entire fuselage, catering to the diverse needs of customers by being 'reliable, economical, and convenient,'" noted Sun Yanyang, general manager of Sichuan Tengden Commercial Aircraft.

Recent figures from the Civil Aviation Administration of China indicate that the low-altitude economy market in China could reach $200 billion by 2025 and soar to $480 billion by 2035.

However, despite its significant market promise, the low-altitude economy in China faces considerable hurdles, such as the absence of industry standards and underdeveloped infrastructure. These challenges are a primary focus for industry experts.

Manager Sun referred to a large twin-engine unmanned transport aircraft, emphasizing its capabilities in plateau environments and various airports for cargo operations. Nonetheless, its application remains in the early stages and demands extensive testing.

Industry specialists recommend that cities should take inspiration from Shenzhen, which has established the country’s first dedicated legal framework to oversee the low-altitude economy, aiming to elevate the sector.

"In the past two years, Shenzhen has opened 207 low-altitude air routes and has also set up 249 low-altitude stations, including automatic hangars, automatic airports or stations, which is at the forefront of the country and the world," remarked Yang Jincai, president of Shenzhen UAV Industry Association.

Experts stress the importance of enhancing investment and accelerating the development of application scenarios and infrastructure to broaden the reach of the low-altitude economy.

Ramin Sohrabi contributed to this report for TROIB News